How to Prepare your Container for Long Term Water Storage!

Summary

Wayne from Normal Prepping demonstrates how to clean, sanitize, and fill a container for long-term water storage. His main advice is to clean and disinfect a new container before filling it, then label and rotate the stored water.

Step-by-step method

1. Choose a container and storage location

Wayne recommends lighter, translucent containers for indoor storage in a dark, controlled environment. For outdoor storage, he suggests darker containers, such as blue or black ones. Translucent containers make it easier to check the water level and inspect the contents.

2. Wash the container

Add a drop of dish detergent and a small amount of water. Close the cap and shake the container so the soapy water reaches the interior surfaces and corners.

Empty the container, then rinse it repeatedly, swirling and draining each time until no bubbles remain. Wayne cautions that using too much soap makes rinsing take longer.

3. Sanitize the container

Wayne uses unscented bleach containing at least 7.5% sodium hypochlorite. He suggests considering eye protection and gloves when handling bleach.

For a five-gallon container:

1. Mix one teaspoon of bleach with one quart of water.
2. Pour the solution into the container, seal it, and swirl it around to wet all interior surfaces, including any small recesses.
3. Leave the solution in contact with the surfaces for about 30 seconds, which Wayne attributes to CDC guidance.
4. Empty the container and give it a quick rinse with clean water.

4. Fill the container and treat the water if needed

Wayne says water from a chlorinated municipal supply does not need additional bleach treatment.

For well water, he recommends adding ½ teaspoon of bleach to a five-gallon container and then filling it with potable water. He advises using enough chlorine that it is barely noticeable, rather than making the water smell strongly of a swimming pool.

The subtitles do not specify a separate treatment amount for container sizes other than five gallons.

5. Seal, label, and rotate

Close the container securely. Wayne notes that a lid-tightening tool can help prevent leaks.

Label the container with the date it was filled. Wayne says stored water is commonly rotated every six months, considers up to a year acceptable depending on the container and storage conditions, and advises against keeping it longer than a year. He recommends checking the supply rather than forgetting about it.

Reducing chlorine taste

If the stored water tastes or smells of chlorine, Wayne suggests pouring it into an open pitcher—preferably glass—and leaving it in a cool place for at least two hours. He says this allows the chlorine to dissipate and improves the taste.

Speakers and sources

• Wayne, host of Normal Prepping
• CDC, referenced by Wayne in connection with the 30-second sanitizing contact time